The era when you can plug your boat into a garage outlet alongside your other electric vehicles is approaching fast. Joseph Visconti, executive chairman and chief of product development at Forza X1, says the shift to sustainable boating is already underway. His goal is to bring an electric boating experience that mirrors the look, comfort and performance of conventional powerboats while eliminating internal combustion.
Visconti introduced the Forza F22—a 22-foot center console powered by Forza X1’s proprietary 180-hp electric outboard—at the Forza F1 Electrified Event in West Palm Beach, Florida, in July. He credits Tesla’s development path and Elon Musk’s influence for providing a clear roadmap toward building fully integrated, production-ready electric boats that appeal to traditional boaters.
Visconti, who also serves as CEO of power-cat builder Twin Vee, and his team began developing the electric boat concept several years ago. In November 2021 he launched Forza X1 Inc. as a dedicated brand focused on electric vessels, and the company went public last year. Forza X1 has also started construction on a consolidated manufacturing facility in Marion, North Carolina, where production of both hulls and electric propulsion will be centralized in the future.
At present, the boat and the propulsion system are being produced at separate locations. Engine design and manufacturing are handled at the Forza X1 Tech Center in Old Fort, North Carolina, while hull construction uses closed-mold processes at Twin Vee’s Fort Pierce, Florida facility. That split reflects the company’s phased approach as it scales up production for both the Forza F22 hull and the electric outboard motor.
The Forza X1 design team initially developed concepts for several electric models, including a pontoon and a power cat, but ultimately selected the 22-foot center console as the first model to bring to market. The decision appears validated by early commercial interest: in June, OneWater Marine placed an order for 100 Forza F22s, a sign of dealer confidence in the product and the growing market demand for electrified boating options.
I conducted a sea trial in Fort Pierce to see how the F22 performs and feels. At a glance it presents as a conventional center console, distinguished primarily by its electric green Forza X1 hull wrap. Forza X1 is producing both fiberglass and carbon-fiber composite versions of the F22; the test boat was the carbon-composite variant. Visually it had an attractive, contemporary finish—the matte-black hardtop contrasted nicely with quilted upholstery and electric green piping that matched the hull color.
Onboard, the F22 includes the typical appointments expected on a boat of this size. The bow offers a V-shaped seating arrangement with removable backrests and a forward-facing seat that conceals a cooler in its base. The helm features a two-person seat with armrests and flip-up bolsters for improved visibility while underway. An aft bench folds up into the transom to maximize cockpit space when needed. For anglers, the boat is equipped with a 26-gallon transom livewell with an 800-gph pump, gunwale rod racks and multiple rod holders, supporting a practical mix of family boating and serious fishing capability.
What sets the F22 apart is its electric propulsion and battery architecture. Nestled in the transom is an electrical inlet used to recharge the boat’s two 104-kWh lithium-ion batteries. Recharging the packs requires 220-volt current, which means owners will need an appropriate shore-power setup or charging solution to replenish capacity. The installation appears thoughtfully integrated, with the charging inlet discreetly located and the battery system engineered to fit within the F22’s layout without compromising passenger or storage space.
Visconti and his team have positioned the F22 as a bridge for boaters who want the familiar look and feel of a gasoline-powered center console while transitioning to electric propulsion. By emphasizing high-quality materials, proven layout features and a powerful electric outboard, Forza X1 aims to make electrified boating accessible and attractive to mainstream buyers.
While broader infrastructure for marine charging will continue to develop, the F22 demonstrates how manufacturers are adapting conventional boat design for an electric future. With production ramps underway, separate specialist facilities for propulsion and hull construction, and early dealer orders in place, the Forza F22 is an indicator that electric boats are moving from concept to commercial reality.
This article was originally published in the October 2023 issue.